Association Of Sociodemographic Factors Research Articles

Sociodemographic Correlates of Low Health Literacy Skills Among Cancer Survivors: National Findings From BRFSS 2016.

This study aimed to explore associations of sociodemographic factors with difficulties in three health literacy (HL) skills and the severity of low HL skills. Cross-sectional secondary data analysis. Subjects: Data came from 17,834 adults who responded to the HL module with a response rate of 47% in the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Independent variables included sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, employment and income. Dependent variables are three HL skills: obtaining, understanding oral, and understanding written health information. We conducted weighted Chi-square tests and multinominal logistic regressions. Cancer survivors younger than 65 (aged 18-39: AOR = 4.46, P < .001; aged 40-64: AOR = 2.29, P < .001), Hispanic (AOR = 2.17, CI = 1.61-2.50, P < .01) had higher odds of difficulty obtaining health information. Female cancer survivors had lower odds of difficulty comprehending oral (AOR = .69, CI = .55-.87, P < .01) and written (AOR = .58, CI = .46-.74, P < .001) information. The relative risk ratio of having difficulties in three HL tasks was higher for those who were younger than 65 (aged 18-39: RRR = 10.18, CI = 2.41-4.3, P < .01; aged 40-64: RRR = 4.01, CI = 2.09-7.69, P < .001), Hispanic (RRR = 3.24, CI = 1.66-11.34, P < .01), unemployed (RRR = 6.1, CI = 2.88-12.76, P < .001), education levels lower than some college (some high school: RRR = 4.34, P < .01; high school: RRR = 2.62, P < .05) and household income under $25,000 (RRR = 6.99, CI = 2.8-17.5, P < .001). Intervention and communication materials need to be tailored for patients with different HL skills considering age, gender, socioeconomic status and cultural backgrounds.

Use of professional home care in persons with spinal cord injury in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPersons with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community often require care. The boundaries between professional home care and informal care are blurred, and it is unclear who the typical user of home care is. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of persons with SCI using professional home care in Switzerland, determine the frequency of home care visits, and investigate the association of sociodemographic factors, SCI-specific characteristics, secondary health conditions, and functional independence with the use of home care.MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from the 2017 community survey of the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study (SwiSCI). Out of 3,959 eligible individuals 1294 completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis (response rate 33%). Using descriptive statistics, differences between home care users and non-users as well as the frequency of home care visits were investigated. The association between sociodemographic factors, SCI-specific characteristics, secondary health conditions, functional independence and the use of home care was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data.ResultsOf 1,294 participants, 280 (22%) used professional home care. The median weekly professional home care duration was 6 h (Q1 = 2, Q3 = 12). More home care was used in persons with lower functional independence (Odds ratio (OR) 0.30 per 10 unit decrease in the Spinal Cord Independence Measure, 95%-Confidence interval (CI) 0.24–0.37), fewer secondary health conditions (OR 0.96 per unit Spinal Cord Injury Secondary Conditions Scale, 95%-CI 0.94–0.99), tetraplegia (OR 2.77, 95%-CI 1.92–4.00), women (OR 2.42, 95%-CI 1.70–3.43), higher age (OR 1.22 per 10 years increase, 95%-CI 1.06–1.39), living alone (OR 2.48, 95%-CI 1.53–4.03), and those receiving support from an informal caregiver (OR 1.88, 95%-CI 1.27–2.77).ConclusionsThis is the first study to examine the use of professional home care from the perspective of persons with SCI in Switzerland. Lower functional independence strongly predicts increased home care use. The findings showed that professional home care complements informal care and is more likely to be used by individuals with SCI who live alone, have tetraplegia, and are female.

Knowledge of Medical Students Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance

The discovery of antibiotics has enhanced the treatment outcomes of infectious diseases. Nevertheless, the injudicious use of antibiotics has triggered a global public health crisis and caused a worldwide spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. Antimicrobial resistance is slowly becoming a major health problem all around the world, especially in our country, and this might be due to the incorrect, unwise prescription of antimicrobial agents among some doctors, which gives rise to this problem. The present study aimed to estimate the knowledge of medical students in Baghdad regarding antimicrobial usage and resistance and to find the association of sociodemographic factors with knowledge scores. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in six medical colleges in Baghdad. An online- based questionnaire was published and used in collecting the data. The data were reviewed and entered to be statistically analyzed in SPSS using the Chi-square test and were presented as frequencies, percentages, graphs and tables. The results showed that 44.1% of the studied sample had a fair knowledge of antimicrobial resistance. There was a statistical significance between gender and knowledge about antimicrobial resistance as the P-value was 0.006. In addition, there was a statistically significant association between the stage and the knowledge about antimicrobial resistance, where the P-value was (0.000). It was concluded that most of the participants had fair to good knowledge regarding antimicrobial resistance that was significantly associated with gender and stage.

Associations of sociodemographic factors and obesity in children: Insights from the hyperglycaemia and adverse pregnancy outcome Belfast study - CORRIGENDUM.

Associations of sociodemographic factors and obesity in children: Insights from the hyperglycaemia and adverse pregnancy outcome Belfast study - CORRIGENDUM.

BMI and sociodemographic characteristic among patients with tuberculosis attending a DOTS clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal

Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a serious public health threat in low- and middle-income countries. In tuberculosis, the sociodemographic aspects play a significant role in increasing the susceptibility to infection. The current study aimed to study the BMI and sociodemographic characteristic among patients with tuberculosis attending a DOTS clinic at a tertiary care hospital of Kathmandu. An observational descriptive cross sectional study using census sampling technique was conducted among 170 persons with tuberculosis coming for ATT drugs in Community Medicine OPD of Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital. The information was obtained using self-constructed structured questionnaire from the study population. The information regarding socioeconomic characteristics, medical and family history, type and clinical presentation of tuberculosis and anthropometric measurement were taken. Out of 170 tuberculosis patient 93 had pulmonary tuberculosis, 71 had extrapulmonary tuberculosis and 6 had both. The different types of tuberculosis showed the association with occupation of respondents, family types, socioeconomic status, family size, BCG scar and social habits before tuberculosis. Weight loss and cough were most common clinical presentation among the participants whereas lymphnode and gastrointestinal tract were most common sites for extrapulmonary tuberculosis. According to BMI, 16.5% of the study population were underweight. Thus, the present study provides valuable information regarding association of sociodemographic factors with tuberculosis and nutritional status of persons with tuberculosis.

Adoption of Vaping Cessation Methods by US Adolescent E-Cigarette Users.

A large number of adolescent e-cigarette users intend to quit vaping or have past-year quit attempts. However, it remains unknown which methods they use in their vaping cessation efforts. We analyzed current (past 30-day) e-cigarette users who made ≥1 quit attempt in the past 12 months from the 2021 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) to examine the prevalence and associations of sociodemographic factors, vaping behaviors, and harm perception with the adoption of different vaping cessation methods. In the 2021 NYTS, there were 1436 current vapers, and 889 (67.9%) had made a past-year quit attempt. Of those, 575 (63.7%) (weighted N = 810 000) reported they did not use any resources (unassisted quitting). Peer support (14.2%), help on the Internet (6.4%), a mobile app or text messaging (5.9%), and parent support (5.8%) were the top 4 cessation methods. Female (versus male) vapers were less likely to solicit parent support (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.1-0.5), whereas Hispanic (versus White) vapers were more likely to seek friend support (AOR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9) and parent support (AOR, 2.7, 95% CI, 1.2-6.3). Those who perceived vaping to be harmful were less likely to get friend support, but more likely to use a mobile app or text messaging program. Dual users of e-cigarettes and any other tobacco product were more likely to get help from a teacher/coach or a doctor/health care provider and treatment from medical facilities than sole e-cigarette users. There were different correlates with the adoption of vaping cessation methods, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to meet the cessation needs and preferences of the adolescent vaping population.

Social determinants of health literacy: a cross-sectional exploratory study.

Despite the importance of health literacy to health-promoting behaviors, few studies have assessed the social determinants of health literacy in a random sample of individuals from the USA. The study evaluated the association of sociodemographic factors with individual health literacy levels. This cross-sectional web-based observational study utilized the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ), a multidimensional instrument measuring nine areas of literacy. Multivariate regression results revealed several factors associated with HLQ scores such as self-rated health rating, frequency of visits to healthcare providers, smoking, gender and rural versus urban residence. Low health literacy was associated with lower self-rated overall health and with less frequent visits to healthcare providers. Males scored higher on engaging with health providers, navigating, understanding the health system and understanding health information well enough to know what to do. These findings can guide healthcare professionals to focus on individuals from groups having lower health literacy scores to promote healthy behaviors.

Socio-demographic factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake and refusal among Ugandan women

BackgroundThis paper analyzes associations of socio-demographic factors with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, the refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and various reasons stated for refusing vaccination against COVID-19 among a representative sample of Ugandan women.MethodsThis paper utilizes a representative cross-sectional survey collected among women aged 15-49 years in Uganda between September and November 2021. Regression analyses are used to study the associations of a broad range of socio-demographic characteristics with COVID-19 vaccine uptake, refusal of vaccination, and reasons for refusal among the respondents.Results4211 women were included in the analysis. 11% of them were vaccinated against COVID-19, 76% were willing to get vaccinated, 13% were unwilling to get vaccinated. Fear of side effects was the most commonly stated reason for refusing vaccination (69%). Factors significantly and positively associated with being vaccinated against COVID-19 were age, higher education, urban residency, having savings, partial instead of complete income loss during the pandemic, and usage of modern contraceptives. Factors significantly and positively associated with refusing vaccination against COVID-19 were urban residency and current pregnancy, while age, having savings, and using modern contraceptives were factors associated with a lower likelihood of refusing vaccination, albeit with varying statistical significance. Few factors were strongly related to the stated reasons for refusing the vaccines; the fear of side effects significantly increased with age, while having received negative information on the vaccines was significantly less common among women with higher education.ConclusionsThis study documents a low COVID-19 vaccination rate and a high willingness to get vaccinated among Ugandan women. Positive age and education gradients in vaccine uptake point to inequity in access to vaccination, potentially resulting from prioritizations of groups at particularly high risk. Refusal to be vaccinated was relatively low and systematic factors behind vaccine refusal were hardly to be found, even less so for particular reasons given for refusal.

Caries clusters at lesion-severity thresholds: A Sierra Leone case study.

Despite being almost entirely preventable, globally, dental caries is extremely prevalent. Moreover, dental caries will continue to present an even larger challenge for lower income countries, particularly those in the African context, as they transition to a more Western diet. Hence, epidemiological data providing insight into disease patterns and trends is critical to inform public health action. The purpose of this study was to examine dental caries clusters by caries detection threshold among 15-year-old adolescents in Sierra Leone, using data from the latest national survey, and to explore associated sociodemographic factors. This paper presents a secondary analysis of oral health data on 490 15-year-olds from the Sierra Leone national oral health survey of schoolchildren. Hierarchical cluster analysis of dental caries experience was conducted across all surfaces at four decay detection thresholds using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) (clinical: ICDAS 2-6, cavitated: ICDAS 3-6, obvious: ICDAS 4-6 and extensive obvious: ICDAS 5-6 decay) across the four regions of Sierra Leone. Ordered logistic regression was used to estimate the association of sociodemographic factors with generated clusters relating to clinical and obvious decay experience. These are of both clinical and epidemiological relevance. A 3-cluster decay pattern representing a 'low' to 'high' decay experience distribution was observed under each decay detection threshold across surfaces. For clinical decay (including visual enamel caries), 28.8% had low, 55.1% medium and 15.9% high caries status. In the adjusted model, the only significant risk factor across obvious and clinical decay thresholds was region, with adolescents outside the Western region more likely to experience decay. This study suggests that adolescents in Sierra Leone fall into three distinct caries clusters: low, medium to high decay experience distribution, regardless of decay threshold. It reinforces the importance of recognizing dental caries detection thresholds and the use of contemporary epidemiological methodology. This suggests that adolescents outside the Western region are likely to have higher caries experience. The data also provides insight to the nature of adolescents in each cluster and should help to inform policy and planning of the integration of oral health into primary care and school systems.

Exploring the Association of Sociodemographic Factors with Musculoskeletal Pain among Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Musculoskeletal pain is the most common manifestation among children with Sickle Cell Disease. Objective: This study aimed at evaluating the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and musculoskeletal pain among children with sickle cell disease. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytical design. Results: Majority of participants were 9 years and above (55.1%) and females (55.7%). Most participants belonged to the upper class (64.8%), identified as Christians (80.7%), and resided in rural areas (75.6%). Descriptive analysis revealed that musculoskeletal pain was present in both mild and moderate forms. Inferential analysis showed no significant associations between sociodemographic characteristics (age groups, gender, class, religion, residence, parental marital status, parental socioeconomic status, number of family members and musculoskeletal pain severity among children with sickle cell disease (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Sociodemographic characteristics may not significantly influence musculoskeletal pain severity among children with sickle cell disease.

Socio-demographic correlates of unhealthy lifestyle in Ethiopia: a secondary analysis of a national survey

BackgroundMultiple lifestyle risk factors exhibit a stronger association with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) compared to a single factor, emphasizing the necessity of considering them collectively. By integrating these major lifestyle risk factors, we can identify individuals with an overall unhealthy lifestyle, which facilitates the provision of targeted interventions for those at significant risk of NCDs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the socio-demographic correlates of unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents and adults in Ethiopia.MethodsA national cross-sectional survey, based on the World Health Organization's NCD STEPS instruments, was conducted in Ethiopia. The survey, carried out in 2015, involved a total of 9,800 participants aged between 15 and 69 years. Lifestyle health scores, ranging from 0 (most healthy) to 5 (most unhealthy), were derived considering factors such as daily fruit and vegetable consumption, smoking status, prevalence of overweight/obesity, alcohol intake, and levels of physical activity. An unhealthy lifestyle was defined as the co-occurrence of three or more unhealthy behaviors. To determine the association of socio-demographic factors with unhealthy lifestyles, multivariable logistic regression models were utilized, adjusting for metabolic factors, specifically diabetes and high blood pressure.ResultsApproximately one in eight participants (16.7%) exhibited three or more unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, which included low fruit/vegetable consumption (98.2%), tobacco use (5.4%), excessive alcohol intake (15%), inadequate physical activity (66%), and obesity (2.3%). Factors such as male sex, urban residency, older age, being married or in a common-law relationship, and a higher income were associated with these unhealthy lifestyles. On the other hand, a higher educational status was associated with lower odds of these behaviors.ConclusionIn our analysis, we observed a higher prevalence of concurrent unhealthy lifestyles. Socio-demographic characteristics, such as sex, age, marital status, residence, income, and education, were found to correlate with individuals' lifestyles. Consequently, tailored interventions are imperative to mitigate the burden of unhealthy lifestyles in Ethiopia.

Association of Sociodemographic Factors with Physical Activity and Sleep Quality in Arab and Non-Arab Individuals of Both Sexes during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We explored the association of sociodemographic and anthropometric factors with self-reported physical activity (PA) and sleep quality in Arab and non-Arab individuals of both sexes during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, 638 participants (those recovered from COVID-19 = 149, and non-infected = 489) of both sexes aged 18-55 years were recruited. Their sociodemographic and anthropometric information, PA (self-reported using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-form [IPAQ-SF)]) and sleep quality (self-reported using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) were documented. The association between participants' characteristics, PA levels, and sleep quality were determined using the chi-squared test. Variables significantly associated with IPAQ and PSQI in bivariate analyses were included in a multivariate binary logistic regression model. Men were more active than women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66, p = 0.010), and non-Arab participants were more active than Arab ones (OR = 1.49, p = 0.037). Participants ≥40 years, men, non-Arab participants, and those who were working were more likely to have a good sleep quality than those ≤40 years (OR 1.70, p = 0.048), women (OR 1.10, p = 0.725), Arab individuals (OR 1.95, p = 0.002), and unemployed people (OR 2.76, p = 0.007). Male and non-Arab participants seemed to have a better self-reported PA and sleep quality compared to female and Arab participants, during the pandemic.

Satisfaction among caregivers of beneficiaries with the services provided at the well-baby clinic of a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata

Background: Well-baby clinics (WBC) are health facilities for providing primary care, including immunization services to infants and children. Caregivers’ satisfaction is a vital indicator of the quality of healthcare services provided. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the caregivers’ satisfaction with the services provided at the WBC of a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal and to identify the associated sociodemographic factors. Materials and Methods: A descriptive-type of observational study with a cross-sectional design, was conducted from June to July 2022, using a predesigned pretested and structured schedule, among 106 caregivers of beneficiaries attending WBC. Satisfaction was assessed using 24 items answered on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from “highly satisfied” to “highly dissatisfied.” Data were tabulated in MS Excel 2021 and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences v25.0. Bivariate Logistic Regression was performed to examine the association of sociodemographic factors with caregivers’ satisfaction. Results: High satisfaction with the services was observed among 52.8% participants. Least number of caregivers were satisfied with the vaccination services. Caregivers’ gender, mothers’ education and beneficiaries’ gender were found to be statistically significant with their satisfaction. Furthermore, the female caregivers had lower odds of statistically significant high satisfaction than the males. Conclusion: Almost half of the caregivers were less satisfied with the services offered at the WBC, while the least number of caregivers were satisfied with the vaccination services. Extensive research is needed to identify the factors contributing to the satisfaction of caregivers with the services, mainly vaccination.

Association of Sociodemographic Factors on the Presentation and Management of Unilateral Vocal Fold Immobility.

To determine the association of social determinants of health (SDOH) on the presentation and management of unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI). Retrospective chart review of 207 adult UVFI patients evaluated at a tertiary-care hospital between 2018 and 2019 was performed. Sociodemographic factors including gender, median household income, preferred language, and insurance type were recorded. Confounding clinical factors including etiology of UVFI, Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) score, laryngoscopic findings, and intervention history were extracted from medical records. Multivariable logistic regression was performed using sociodemographic and clinical factors. Patient demographics and socioeconomic status were not associated with time to presentation. Patients presenting with glottic insufficiency and UVFI due to malignancy or recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) sacrifice had a shorter time to presentation. Higher household income was associated with greater number of interventions (p = 0.02), but neither income nor insurance type affected intervention type or timing. Female patients were less likely to undergo injection medialization laryngoplasty (odds ratio [OR] 0.25, p = 0.005). Older patients were more likely to undergo injection (OR 1.04, p = 0.027). Patients with large glottic gaps (OR 21.2, p = 0.014) and higher VHI-10 scores (OR 1.06, p = 0.047) were more likely to undergo surgery. Higher household income was associated with greater number of interventions and longer duration of care at a private tertiary-care hospital. RLN sacrifice, known malignancy, and glottic insufficiency significantly reduced the time to presentation. Type of intervention received was a complex interplay of both demographic and clinical factors. Large prospective studies should examine the role of SDOH in the presentation and management of UVFI. 4 Laryngoscope, 134:297-304, 2024.

Better Work Ability Is Associated With Lower Levels of Both Occupational Stress and Occupational Physical Activity in Professional Drivers: A Cross-sectional Study.

The aim of the study is to investigate the association of sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, work organization, and professional profile with work ability in professional drivers. This is a cross-sectional study with 449 drivers in Curitiba, Paraná (Brazil). Participants were assessed regarding their work ability (Work Ability Index [WAI]), sociodemographic, lifestyle (physical activity [Baecke's questionnaire] and stress [Work Stress Scale]), work organization, and professional profile using self-completion instruments. The association of WAI with sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, work organization, and professional profile was determined by multivariable ordinal logistic regression models. Lifestyle factors best explained the WAI variability. The WAI was inversely associated with stress and occupational physical activities but directly associated with leisure activities and locomotion and leisure-time physical exercise. Our data also challenge the concept that sociodemographic information and ergonomics organization influence determining the work ability of this population.

Social epidemiology of Fitbit daily steps in early adolescence

BackgroundSociodemographic disparities in adolescent physical activity have been documented but mostly rely on self-reported data. Our objective was to examine differences in device-based step metrics, including daily step count (steps d−1), by sociodemographic factors among a diverse sample of 10-to-14-year-old adolescents in the US.MethodsWe analyzed prospective cohort data from Year 2 (2018–2020) of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (N = 6460). Mixed-effects models were conducted to estimate associations of sociodemographic factors (sex, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, household income, parental education, and parental marital status) with repeated measures of steps d−1 over the course of 21 days.ResultsParticipants (49.6% female, 39.0% racial/ethnic minority) accumulated an average of 9095.8 steps d−1. In mixed-effects models, 1543.6 more steps d−1 were recorded for male versus female sex, Black versus White race (328.8 more steps d−1), heterosexual versus sexual minority sexual orientation (676.4 more steps d−1), >$200,000 versus <$25,000 household income (1003.3 more steps d−1), and having married/partnered parents versus unmarried/unpartnered parents (326.3 more steps d−1). We found effect modification by household income for Black adolescents and by sex for Asian adolescents.ConclusionsGiven sociodemographic differences in adolescent steps d−1, physical activity guidelines should focus on key populations and adopt strategies optimized for adolescents from diverse backgrounds.ImpactSociodemographic disparities in physical activity have been documented but mostly rely on self-reported data, which can be limited by reporting and prevarication bias.In this demographically diverse sample of 10–14-year-old early adolescents in the U.S., we found notable and nuanced sociodemographic disparities in Fitbit steps per day.More daily steps were recorded for male versus female sex, Black versus White race, heterosexual versus sexual minority, >$100,000 versus <$25,000 household income, and having married/partnered versus unmarried/unpartnered parents.We found effect modification by household income for Black adolescents and by sex for Asian adolescents.

Race, Ethnicity, Insurance, and Population Density Associations with Pediatric Strabismus and Strabismic Amblyopia in the IRIS® Registry

To evaluate the associations of sociodemographic factors with pediatric strabismus diagnosis and outcomes. Retrospective cohort study. American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) patients with strabismus diagnosed before the age of 10 years. Multivariable regression models evaluated the associations of race and ethnicity, insurance, population density, and ophthalmologist ratio with age at strabismus diagnosis, diagnosis of amblyopia, residual amblyopia, and strabismus surgery. Survival analysis evaluated the same predictors of interest with the outcome of time to strabismus surgery. Age at strabismus diagnosis, rate of amblyopia and residual amblyopia, and rate of and time to strabismus surgery. The median age at diagnosis was 5 years (interquartile range, 3-7) for 106 723 children with esotropia (ET) and 54 454 children with exotropia (XT). Amblyopia diagnosis was more likely with Medicaid insurance than commercial insurance (odds ratio [OR], 1.05 for ET; 1.25 for XT; P < 0.01), as was residual amblyopia (OR, 1.70 for ET; 1.53 for XT; P < 0.01). For XT, Black children were more likely to develop residual amblyopia than White children (OR, 1.34; P < 0.01). Children with Medicaid were more likely to undergo surgery and did so sooner after diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23 for ET; 1.21 for XT; P < 0.01) than those with commercial insurance. Compared with White children, Black, Hispanic, and Asian children were less likely to undergo ET surgery and received surgery later (all HRs < 0.87; P < 0.01), and Hispanic and Asian children were less likely to undergo XT surgery and received surgery later (all HRs < 0.85; P < 0.01). Increasing population density and clinician ratio were associated with lower HR for ET surgery (P < 0.01). Children with strabismus covered by Medicaid insurance had increased odds of amblyopia and underwent strabismus surgery sooner after diagnosis compared with children covered by commercial insurance. After adjusting for insurance status, Black, Hispanic, and Asian children were less likely to receive strabismus surgery with a longer delay between diagnosis and surgery compared with White children. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Predictors of starting and stopping chemsex in men who have sex with men in England: findings from the AURAH2 prospective study

BackgroundChemsex (the use of psychoactive drugs in sexual contexts) has been associated with HIV acquisition and other STIs, so there is benefit in identifying those most likely to start chemsex...

Gestational age and socio-demographic factors associated with school performance at the age of 12 years, a population-based study.

Gestational age is positively associated with cognitive development, but socio-demographic factors also influence school performance. Previous studies suggested possible interaction, putting children with low socio-economic status (SES) at increased risk of the negative effects of prematurity. To investigate the association between gestational age in weeks, socio-demographic characteristics, and school performance at the age of 12 years among children in regular primary education. Population-based cohort study among liveborn singletons (N = 860,332) born in the Netherlands in 1999-2006 at 25-42 weeks' gestation, with school performance from 2011 to 2019. Regression analyses were conducted investigating the association of gestational age and sociodemographic factors with school performance and possible interaction. School performance increased with gestational age up to 40 weeks. This pattern was evident across socio-demographic strata. Children born at 25 weeks had -0.57 SD (95% confidence interval -0.79, -0.35) lower school performance z-scores and lower secondary school level compared to 40 weeks. Low maternal education, low maternal age, and non-European origin were strongly associated with lower school performance. Being born third or later and low socioeconomic status (SES) were also associated with lower school performance, but differences were smaller than among other factors. When born preterm, children from mothers with low education level, low or high age, low SES or children born third or later were at higher risk for lower school performance compared to children of mothers with intermediate education level, aged 25-29 years, with intermediate SES or first borns (evidence of interaction). Higher gestational age is associated with better school performance at the age of 12 years along the entire spectrum of gestational age, beyond the cut-off of preterm birth and across socio-demographic differences. Children in socially or economically disadvantaged situations might be more vulnerable to the negative impact of preterm birth. Other important factors in school performance are maternal education, maternal age, ethnicity, birth order and SES. Results should be interpreted with caution due to differential loss to follow-up.

The Association of Sociodemographic Factors, Postictal Symptoms, and Medical History With Seizure Type in Patients With Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Approximately 50 million people globally suffer from epilepsy. The prevalence of epilepsy in Saudi Arabia has been reported at 6.5 per 1,000 persons, affecting nearly 1% of the entire population. However, limited data is available in the country regarding the sociodemographic factors affecting epilepsy and its associated postictal symptoms, which may lead to stigmatization and negatively impact patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in a survey format. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine at King Abdulaziz University. The study population included patients with epilepsy who visited King Abdulaziz University Hospital's outpatient neurology clinics from October 2021 to March 2022. Results The study participants' average age at the time of the first seizure was 16.5 years, with patients experiencing seizures as early as within the first year of life and as late as 70 years of age. Patients who had had their first seizure during the first year of life did not have any schooling (p<0.0001) and had learning difficulties (p<0.00001). Focal onset impaired awareness seizures were significantly associated with motor weakness (p=0.023) and mood alterations (p=0.014), while postictal fear, anxiety or panic, and sleep disruption were statistically significant for focal onset aware seizures (p=0.015 andp=0.050). Conclusion This study highlights the sociodemographic differences between patients in Saudi Arabia and in other areas. It may also point to novel findings regarding the postictal symptoms associated with the various seizure types.